# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=112 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 113 --- ## [Loudspeakers and electricity](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loudspeakers-and-electricity/993691)
**Author:** [@Al128](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al128)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 26, 2023, 12:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loudspeakers-and-electricity/993691 "2023-11-26T12:19:49Z")
Hi there, I am a life-long hifi aficionado, listening to music on my hifi-set right now and wondered: what range of voltage “goes” into a loudspeaker (assume 8ohm) at moderate listening volumes? (1, 5, 10, 50 or 100+V… --- ## [Help me diagnose an electrical problem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-diagnose-an-electrical-problem/993551)
**Author:** [@Buck\_Godot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buck_Godot)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 26, 2023, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-diagnose-an-electrical-problem/993551 "2023-11-26T03:14:29Z")
I think we had a power surge last night. My wife said that at around 5:30 the lights went out in some of our rooms,and when my wife looked out across the neighborhood the street lights were out and none of the house had… --- ## [Who first said "you don't pay a prostitute for sex..."](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-first-said-you-dont-pay-a-prostitute-for-sex/675273)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2023, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-first-said-you-dont-pay-a-prostitute-for-sex/675273 "2023-11-25T22:04:00Z")
“… You pay her to leave afterward”? Inspired by this thread, of course. Charlie Sheen said it during his trial, but he’s most likely not the originator. Some remember it as being said by Errol Flynn. The TV show Crim… --- ## [Why do so many modern windmills not spin?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-so-many-modern-windmills-not-spin/993664)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2023, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-so-many-modern-windmills-not-spin/993664 "2023-11-25T20:30:47Z")
I have occasion to drive by many modern windmills (the three bladed tall towers) but I note that many are not spinning. This is not due to lack of wind (some are spinning and I know the wind is blowing). I get some wil… --- ## [Old Gas Stations: A Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-gas-stations-a-question/993348)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2023, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-gas-stations-a-question/993348 "2023-11-25T20:12:22Z")
Most of the major Canadian gas stations are well represented in my sizeable city. But over the last few years they seem to have closed many less profitable locations. There are old stations at several major intersectio… --- ## [Is there a name for that “hippie stoner accent?”](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-name-for-that-hippie-stoner-accent/993478)
**Author:** [@Stephe96](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stephe96)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2023, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-name-for-that-hippie-stoner-accent/993478 "2023-11-25T20:12:18Z")
You know the one I mean, but it’s hard to describe. Think Tommy Chong, Otto the Bus Driver, or - going way back - that guy from the TV commercial for the Freedom Rock album (“Hey, man is that Freedom Rock? Well, TURN IT … --- ## [Cranberry & Raspberry Tea--good for urinary tract?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cranberry-raspberry-tea-good-for-urinary-tract/993352)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2023, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cranberry-raspberry-tea-good-for-urinary-tract/993352 "2023-11-25T14:17:52Z")
Does it help with Urinary or Prostate Infections? Example here– https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000UZPCMG?psc=1&ref=ppx\_yo2ov\_dt\_b\_product\_details --- ## [Question about British NHS ending care for terminally ill children](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-british-nhs-ending-care-for-terminally-ill-children/993157)
**Author:** [@X.L.Lent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/X.L.Lent)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2023, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-british-nhs-ending-care-for-terminally-ill-children/993157 "2023-11-25T00:11:25Z")
From time to time I have read of cases where the British National Heath Service has decided to end treatment for terminally ill children and won’t allow the parents to take thier child elsewhere for treatment. The case… --- ## [Replacing a linux install with windows 10](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/replacing-a-linux-install-with-windows-10/993582)
**Author:** [@BleizDu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BleizDu)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 24, 2023, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/replacing-a-linux-install-with-windows-10/993582 "2023-11-24T20:10:00Z")
Hi folks, I’m trying to totally erase an existing ubuntu installation to put windows 10 instead. Windows 10 was the original OS, then my partner fully installed ubuntu over it a couple years ago. Now she wants windows… --- ## [Why do ETFs sometimes, but only occasionally, have quoted prices down to the hundredth of a cent?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-etfs-sometimes-but-only-occasionally-have-quoted-prices-down-to-the-hundredth-of-a-cent/993558)
**Author:** [@glowacks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glowacks)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 24, 2023, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-etfs-sometimes-but-only-occasionally-have-quoted-prices-down-to-the-hundredth-of-a-cent/993558 "2023-11-24T19:21:04Z")
I’m pretty sure I know why it can happen - stocks are traded in lots of 100, and the price for the trade wasn’t an even dollar amount. But if that can happen, why doesn’t it happen in 99% of situations, and instead in o… --- ## [Short question about a certain type of rifle](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/short-question-about-a-certain-type-of-rifle/993571)
**Author:** [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [November 24, 2023, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/short-question-about-a-certain-type-of-rifle/993571 "2023-11-24T15:53:33Z")
Yes, yes, odd title, but here’s what the issue is. I have a dog named Mauser. He was named for another dog, also a dachshund, in a thriller novel. I looked it up and the Mauser rifle is supposed to be German manufactu… --- ## [What happens if everyone goes when the light changes to green?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-everyone-goes-when-the-light-changes-to-green/993274)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [November 24, 2023, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-everyone-goes-when-the-light-changes-to-green/993274 "2023-11-24T14:23:50Z")
If everyone accelerated at the same rate when a stop light turns green, what would the result be? I know it won’t happen in the real world but in fantasy land, it seems that traffic jams would be a lot less frequent. --- ## [How do jurors on long trials pay their bills](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-jurors-on-long-trials-pay-their-bills/985068)
**Author:** [@Quintas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quintas)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2023, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-jurors-on-long-trials-pay-their-bills/985068 "2023-11-23T20:26:39Z")
I started my first experience with jury duty this morning. We are only expected to be available for this week, so no big deal. It began with the judge offering to hear from anyone to whom this may cause undue hardship. … --- ## [Network bandwidth vs. latency](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/network-bandwidth-vs-latency/993566)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2023, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/network-bandwidth-vs-latency/993566 "2023-11-23T18:42:30Z")
I ran across an ad for a device (maybe includes software) that claims to reduce latency so you can play music with other people in real time over the Internet. https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/realtime-audio-buying-gui… --- ## [Why do judges speak when sentencing someone to prison?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-judges-speak-when-sentencing-someone-to-prison/993454)
**Author:** [@Knighted\_Vorpal\_Sword](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knighted_Vorpal_Sword)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2023, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-judges-speak-when-sentencing-someone-to-prison/993454 "2023-11-23T16:18:43Z")
Is there a legal requirement that judges give a “sentencing speech” while sentencing defendants to prison? If a speech isn’t required by law, why don’t judges simply state the sentence and adjourn the court? --- ## [Has anyone ever really been tied to the railroad tracks?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-really-been-tied-to-the-railroad-tracks/993448)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2023, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-really-been-tied-to-the-railroad-tracks/993448 "2023-11-23T14:14:04Z")
It’s been seen in old movies, but did it ever really happen? --- ## [Anvil rebound](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anvil-rebound/993535)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2023, 10:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anvil-rebound/993535 "2023-11-23T10:52:21Z")
There is a controversy in the world of blacksmithing regarding anvil rebound. The idea is to test an anvil by taking a ball bearing and seeing how high it will return when dropped on the face of the anvil. IIUC, a hard… --- ## [Wrapping HVAC Duct with Reflective Roll Insulation vs. Fiberglass Roll Insulation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wrapping-hvac-duct-with-reflective-roll-insulation-vs-fiberglass-roll-insulation/993484)
**Author:** [@Caribbean\_cruiser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caribbean_cruiser)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2023, 5:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wrapping-hvac-duct-with-reflective-roll-insulation-vs-fiberglass-roll-insulation/993484 "2023-11-23T05:27:26Z")
Three of the vents in my family room are connected to the main HVAC trunk via 25-foot runs of round, uninsulated 7-inch sheet metal duct pipes. These ducts run along the ceiling of my basement, which is part living space… --- ## [Popcorn button on microwave oven. How does it work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/popcorn-button-on-microwave-oven-how-does-it-work/694739)
**Author:** [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2023, 4:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/popcorn-button-on-microwave-oven-how-does-it-work/694739 "2023-11-23T04:50:18Z")
Put the bag in, press the “popcorn” button, and the microwave oven knows precisely when to shut off. How does it do this? In this SDMB thread from 2005, Q.E.D. said the oven measures the humidity level in the chamber. … --- ## [Longevity of beef jerky](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/longevity-of-beef-jerky/989373)
**Author:** [@Malkav23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malkav23)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2023, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/longevity-of-beef-jerky/989373 "2023-11-23T04:30:42Z")
How long does beef jerky last in an unopened package? How about an opened one? --- ## [Freshness of beef jerky](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freshness-of-beef-jerky/993561)
**Author:** [@Malkav23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malkav23)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2023, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freshness-of-beef-jerky/993561 "2023-11-23T03:04:08Z")
I’m trying to figure out what to stock my storm shelter with. How long does beef jerky last in an unopened package? --- ## ["The Captain always goes down with the ship"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-captain-always-goes-down-with-the-ship/339809)
**Author:** [@gaucho](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gaucho)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2023, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-captain-always-goes-down-with-the-ship/339809 "2023-11-23T02:29:51Z")
Has the ever actually (voluntarily) happened? Is it a literary/Hollywood invention, or was it once part of some honor code of the sea? --- ## [Do American border guards have .50 cal rifles for anti-vehicle use?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-american-border-guards-have-50-cal-rifles-for-anti-vehicle-use/993564)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2023, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-american-border-guards-have-50-cal-rifles-for-anti-vehicle-use/993564 "2023-11-23T02:20:57Z")
I forgot where I read this but apparently the US border patrol stationed at actual border checkpoints were apparently equipped with .50 bolt action rifles or even M16s chambered in a shortened .50 cal round (either .AE o… --- ## [Has a SDMB regular ever been a newsworthy criminal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-a-sdmb-regular-ever-been-a-newsworthy-criminal/993402)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2023, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-a-sdmb-regular-ever-been-a-newsworthy-criminal/993402 "2023-11-22T19:04:33Z")
Someone makes the news for one notorious reason or other and one of us who knows them realizes, “Wow, that’s RandyAndy, a frequent poster!” Here is an old thread about dopers who knew someone in the news, but those pers… --- ## [Insulating a pipe under the house](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/insulating-a-pipe-under-the-house/993334)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2023, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/insulating-a-pipe-under-the-house/993334 "2023-11-22T16:30:27Z")
As long as the plumber was out digging up our yard to repair the sewer pipe, I asked him to make the faucet (‘hose bib’, he called it) functional. And now it is. But Winter is coming. I’m pretty sure he didn’t insulat… --- ## ["Terms apply"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terms-apply/993480)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2023, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terms-apply/993480 "2023-11-22T14:37:07Z")
At the end of many podcast and radio ads, I am hearing the phrase “Terms apply” tacked on. Why would they need to say this? In virtually any commercial transaction, there are terms, and they apply. Why do they have to ad… --- ## [Sharpening Blurry 1970s-Era VHS or Betamax Video Images](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sharpening-blurry-1970s-era-vhs-or-betamax-video-images/993028)
**Author:** [@Caribbean\_cruiser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caribbean_cruiser)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2023, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sharpening-blurry-1970s-era-vhs-or-betamax-video-images/993028 "2023-11-22T14:29:24Z")
I just viewed on YouTube a five-minute video recorded in the mid-1970s. By today’s hi-def standards, the video quality is terrible. I believe this black-and-white video was originally shot on VHS or Betamax tape, then co… --- ## [What are these (Indian?) greeting gestures that I've seen in films called?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-these-indian-greeting-gestures-that-ive-seen-in-films-called/993489)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2023, 11:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-these-indian-greeting-gestures-that-ive-seen-in-films-called/993489 "2023-11-22T11:43:00Z")
It’s a bit embarrassing asking for cultural advice on the basis of Bollywood films and Mary Poppins, but what can I do. In an incredibly cheesy dance scene from Om Shanti Om, Sha Rukh Khan performs what seems to be a res… --- ## [What are studdable tires?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-studdable-tires/993404)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2023, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-studdable-tires/993404 "2023-11-21T17:44:28Z")
Just saw an advert from OK Tire for “studdable tires” What are studdable tires? --- ## [Where is my minimizer? (Chrome problem?)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-my-minimizer-chrome-problem/993424)
**Author:** [@slicedalone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slicedalone)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2023, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-my-minimizer-chrome-problem/993424 "2023-11-20T19:29:37Z")
The little box (in the upper right, in between the “X” for closing out Chrome, and the “-” sign for putting the current screen on the bottom bar) no longer works. I must have accidentally hit some disabling button. Does… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=111) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=113)